Around the holidays there are so many opportunities to capture amazing, fleeting moments. And while this time of year can be freezing cold – it’s also a chance to freeze time and snap that amazing photo that may only come once a year.  And don’t worry if you don’t have everything perfect.  It’s more important to capture those ‘in-the-blink-of-an-eye’ moments that will make your heart melt every time you see them. Tiny Ballerinas NutcrackerNutcracker

What are the best tips to be sure you’re ready to capture those holiday memories?

• Charge! Be sure you have a fully charged camera before snapping away.  The worst thing you can experience on Christmas morning is discovering your camera is out of power.  Whether it is your smartphone or high-end DSLR, make sure to charge your device and have some spare batteries in case you are snapping away all day.  

Christmas Ornament

• Anticipate the moment.  There are definitely particular times when you can predict a wondrous moment is about to occur.  If you celebrate Christmas you can anticipate the moment when the children first wake up and run to get their stockings or when they see the presents under the tree for the first time.  At Chanukah it may be the evening dinner and lighting the next candle on the menorah.   Be ready with your camera and take a few test shots under the same lighting conditions the day before – so all of your camera settings are ready. Christmas morning
• Details.  The details help tell the full story year after year.  What decorations are new or what food and gift-wrapping details stand out this year?  Be sure to take a few photos of the details that stand and take them from several angles.  Up close, with a nice wide-open aperture create a lovely photo that pops.
• Nighttime Images.  Oftentimes we take photos during the day and forget to get outside and take some nighttime shots.  This time of year there are so many lights decorating homes and lining up streets. You don’t have to be on the Champs-Élysées and the city of lights to capture beautiful, amazing nighttime images.  Check your local area for Christmas tree lighting events or find neighborhoods that go all out this time of year.   And for a fun DIY Bokeh project with a DSLR check out this great idea from MCP Actions, one of my favorite sites for inspiration and tutorials. Christmas Tree lit at night
• Get in the picture.  Too often moms (okay and some dads) are taking the photos and are not IN them.  I cannot stress enough how important it is for both parents to be in the photos.  And don’t worry if your hair and make up are not picture perfect.  It’s more important to have the memory and remember – laughter is the best make up there is.  So get a tripod or find a free camera app like Camera Awesome from Smug Mug that has a self-timer and get into position for a family photo.

So get in the picture and enjoy the spirit of the season!

What are some of your favorite holiday memories?